Ballyboden and Castleknock into Dublin SFC last four

Castleknock's Ciaran Kilkenny ©INPHO/Dan Clohessy

Castleknock secured their place in the Dublin SFC1 semi-finals after overcoming Kilmacud Crokes by 0-17 to 0-14 at Parnell Park on Saturday.

The sides were closely matched throughout the opening half, but Castleknock held the edge at the interval, leading 0-9 to 0-8. Rob Shaw, Kevin Stephenson and Dylan Clarke were among their scorers, while Kilmacud responded through Paddy O’Connor, Cian O’Connor and Aidan Jones.

Dara Brady's men stretched their advantage early in the second-half through Shaw and Clarke, but Crokes refused to let them pull away. Paul Mannion and Paddy O’Connor helped the champions back into the contest before they drew level with 10 minutes remaining.

The closing stages belonged to Castleknock, however. Substitute Ger McDermottroe made an immediate impact with three points, while Cian Boyle also found the target as Castleknock pulled clear.

Shaw finished with four points as Castleknock held on to claim a notable win and bring Kilmacud Crokes’ bid for a 12th tittle to an end.

The other quarter-final clash in the capital saw holders Ballyboden St Endas producing a strong second-half comeback to eventually see off Clontarf.

It also finished on a 0-17 to 0-14 scoreline at Parnell Park, where Clontarf had made good use of the conditions in the first-half and went into the break four points clear at 0-9 to 0-5, with Benjamin Kelly to the fore for them.

Ballyboden raised their game after the change of ends, with Ryan Basquel and Colm Basquel among those helping to eat into Clontarf’s advantage.

The sides were level with just three minutes remaining, but Ballyboden finished the stronger. Ryan O’Dwyer and Ross McGarry both contributed two late points as ‘Boden held their nerve to secure victory and keep their championship defence alive.

The other two quarter-finals in the competition take place at Parnell Park this afternoon, with 2024 winners Cuala facing Skerries Harps (2pm) before Thomas Davis meet Ballymun Kickhams at 4pm.